August 7 in KidQuest and FirstLook

While the adults will be celebrating the past 50 years of Wentzville Christian Church, here is what your elementary (KidQuest) and preschool (FirstLook) students will be learning about! But first, let me introduce you to the new memory verse and remind you that the newest editions of HomeFront Monthly and Family Currents are available for download now, by clicking here.

Be sure to look today for other fun family activities on our website.

KidQuest
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that they were God’s own. In chapter one of his letter, he encouraged them to rejoice in their identity. In chapter two, he asked them to remember where they came from (what they had been saved from). In chapters three through five, he encouraged them to live as “children of light”—to live up to the calling they had received. In the sixth chapter, he asked them to remember that the enemy would try to break them down, destroy the unity of the body of Christ, and make them stray from the glorious calling they have received in Christ.

Because of the Roman fascination with Greek culture, Ephesus was Hellenized (turned Greek) under Roman rule. Temples dedicated to Greek gods were built, and much of Greek culture and philosophy was incorporated into Ephesian life. The Ephesians believed that the Greek goddess Artemis presided over theatre, athletics, and even banking. Her temple was so opulent that it was one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Because they were surrounded by Greek customs, the Ephesians were well rooted in the lifestyle and culture of pagan worship.  Adherents to the cult of Artemis practiced magic, prostitution, and conjuring of mystical visions. The Ephesian Christians would have to constantly be on guard so that their minds and hearts did not stray back to their pagan origins.

God gave Paul the words to speak the truth about who we are in Christ: “dearly loved children” chosen “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Ephesians 1:4). These words not only spoke to the Ephesian church, but also resonate today. It is still astounding that through Christ we are children of light, able to “live as children of light.”

Just for fun, take a few minutes this week to read Ephesians 1:1–11 to your kids before they go to school. Make a list of all the things the Ephesians were blessed with in Christ. Explain to your children that in Christ we are blessed, too. Have each person circle the blessing that means the most to her right now.

Now reread verses 3–11 to your children, substituting their names wherever the passage reads “us” or “we.” Remind them that as they go about their day, no matter what anyone else says, their identity is as a chosen and beloved child of God.

Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more in church this week about how God calls us His own. Close your time by praying and thanking God for giving each of you the identity of being His chosen child.

FirstLook
Scripture tells us the Persian officials serving under King Darius were looking for ways to bring Daniel to his demise. They went before the king requesting an edict: Prayers to any god or gods would need to be channeled through the king. Knowing Daniel was faithful to the law of his God, the satraps (Persian officials Daniel oversaw) believed he would immediately violate this law and could then be put to death.

The king tried everything he could to save Daniel, but he was unable to reverse the edict. “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you,” the king told Daniel just before he was thrown into the pit of lions. Daniel spent the night there. The king was so deeply disturbed that he was unable to eat or sleep. As soon as morning came, King Darius rushed to the place where Daniel had been placed. To his delight, he found Daniel alive with not one mark on his body. The king called for the officials who had falsely accused Daniel. He had them, along with their wives and children, executed.

King Darius then blessed Daniel and proclaimed praise to the one true God, saying, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ‘For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions’” (Daniel 6:26–27).

In the face of great opposition, Daniel did not waver from who he was. He was a follower of the Most High God. This relationship superseded any human law or decree. Daniel trusted what was true. God is the living God.

This week, JUST FOR FUN, read the biblical account of Daniel and the lions’ den in Daniel 6:10–12, 16–23 right before bedtime. Share with your children that you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story where someone had to stay overnight in a scary place, and God protected him.

After you’ve read the passage, reflect on what you just read with questions like, “Do you think Daniel was afraid?” or “Who shut the mouths of the lions?” or “Do you remember a time when you were afraid and God protected you?”

Share with your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. Tell them they’ll hear more at church this week about how we can trust in our one true God. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and thank God for being our living God, who is always listening to our prayers.